“i just realized that in my imagination the wilderness is always somewhere else; a foreign landscape i actively have to enter in the act of being faithful. truthfully, the wilderness is always where i am right now and faith is the courage to stay with it when i’d rather pretend i am anywhere else.” 1

Chimes

Centering Prayer 2

Holy God, by the grace of Jesus Christ you know the tests and trials we face. Walk with us through this wilderness. Come to us with ministers of healing and visit us with messengers of hope, so that we may return to you in faith, believing the good news of the gospel; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Welcome

Introit      “We'll See Your Glory Here"

Call to Worship 3

ONE: God comes into a world filled with uncertainties and darkness.

ALL: God seeks out the voids of belief and conviction.

ONE: God embraces the wounded and broken.

ALL: God knocks down the walls of division and strife.

ONE: God is the candle shining in the darkness of our days.

ALL: God is the light of our lives.

ONE: God is the one who makes all things new.

ALL: Praise be to God, now and forevermore! Let us worship God!

Hymn 168 Within Your Shelter, Loving God

Affirmation of Faith 4

I believe in God the Creator, who made me and all things, who set me on my path in this world.

I believe in God the Savior, who is one with the Creator, who rescued me and all creation from the depredations of our violations against God and creation.  This man, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, walked a path through this world, taking on human form having been born of a woman through the power of the Holy Spirit.  He lived and worked in this world among people just like me.  He walked God’s path to death on a cross, and rose from the dead to open our pathway to eternal life.  I believe in God the Holy Spirit, my counselor and guide, who is one with the Creator and the Christ, who through the body and blood of Jesus brings me into communion with all people, past, present and future; who calls me to walk a sacred way of life through this world, caring for creation and the people I meet on the way, loving them, helping them, welcoming them without prejudice, being God’s hands and feet in the world.

Response Hymn 434

Restore in us, O God, the splendor of your love;

Renew your image in our hearts, and all our sins remove.

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 372

O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,

Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:9-15

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem       "I Will Follow"    Chris Tonkin, Jason Ingram, and Reuben Morgan

Sermon:  "Our Lenten Call"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 164 Down Galilee's Slow Roadways

Invitation to the Offering

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that honors each other, to be servants to others with joy, to share our love and material possessions. When you mail your offerings to the church we are not only able to keep our ministries operating and our budget intact, but we also receive the joy of hearing from you. We thank you for your continual giving to our community at Bethany.

Offertory “Water Lilies”   Catherine Rollin

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 775  I Want Jesus to Walk With Me

Announcements

Closing Benediction 5

We go now, living in the spirit of our baptism, even when we are led into wild and hard places. With repentance and trust, we give ourselves to God, and with fasting and prayer, we strengthen ourselves against the ways of the tempter.  We pray that God may enfold us in tender and lasting love.  That Christ may be beside us in times of struggle.  And we pray that the Spirit may guide us back to the path whenever we stray, that we may keep the covenant.  We go in peace to love and serve the Lord, In the name of Christ.  Amen.

Postlude “Wade in the Water” African American Spiritual, Arr. Chris Nole

1 Cheryl Lawrie

2 Arlene M. Mark

3 based on materials by Peter K. Perry

4 Lisa Frenz

5 Nathan Nettleton

Reflection for Lent

“Lent is a time to take time to let the power of our faith story take hold of us, a time to let the events get up and walk around in us.”  ~ Lenten Poem, by Ann Weems

Chimes

Centering Prayer

Eternal God, holy and faithful, what can we give in return for our life? Teach us to take up the cross of Christ with grateful hearts and humble spirits, offering all for the sake of the gospel, so that we may receive life in fullness; through Christ, who is coming in glory. Amen.

Welcome

Introit      “Ah, Holy Jesus”  Craig Courtney

Call to Worship 1

ONE: Lent calls us to journey, this and every day, following Jesus wherever he leads us.

ALL: Lent calls us to journey: to the place where God covenants with us, to receive the new names we are given.

ONE: Lent calls us to worship together, to tell future generations the good news.

ALL: Lent calls us to practice justice, to bring God's hope to all people.

ONE: Lent calls us to faithful living, to trust the One who gives us life.

ALL: Lent calls each of us to take up our cross, to trust the One who bears it with us.

ONE: Lent calls us to journey with God.

ALL: Let us worship God, who walks with us, this and every day.

Hymn 51  To Abraham and Sarah

Affirmation of Faith 2

We are not alone, we live in God's world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God's presence, to live with respect in creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Amen

Response Hymn 817

We walk by faith and not by sight;

with gracious words draw near,

O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke:

“My peace be with you here.”

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 372

O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,

Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

Scripture Readings: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

                                    Mark 8:31-38

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem       “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” Crosby & Doane, Arr. Ekbladh

Sermon:  "I Name You" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 718 Take Up Your Cross, the Savior Said

Invitation to the Offering

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that honors each other, to be servants to others with joy, to share our love and material possessions. When you mail your offerings to the church we are not only able to keep our ministries operating and our budget intact, but we also receive the joy of hearing from you. We thank you for your continual giving to our community at Bethany.

Offertory   Theme from Piano Concerto No. 1, 2nd Movement     Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 313  Lord, Make Us More Holy

Announcements

Closing Benediction 3

We go now, living in the spirit of our baptism, even when we are led into wild and hard places. With repentance and trust, we give ourselves to God, and with fasting and prayer, we strengthen ourselves against the ways of the tempter.  We pray that God may enfold us in tender and lasting love.  That Christ may be beside us in times of struggle.  And we pray that the Spirit may guide us back to the path whenever we stray, that we may keep the covenant.  We go in peace to love and serve the Lord, In the name of Christ.  Amen.

Postlude  “Rock-a-My Soul”   African American Spiritual, Arr. Glenda Austin

1 Thom Shuman

2 The United Church of Canada

3 Nathan Nettleton

Reflection for Lent

“Lent is a time to take time to intensify our living unto Christ, a time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts.” ~ Lenten Poem, by Ann Weems

Chimes

Centering Prayer

Holy God, in Jesus Christ you have built for us an eternal house, a temple of righteousness, a place of gracious plenty for the hungry and abundant life for the poor in spirit.  Fill us with zeal for the body of Christ.  Overturn the tables of corruption and greed and upset the imbalance of injustice, so that we may worship you in spirit and truth; through Jesus Christ, who is risen indeed. Amen.

Welcome

Introit      “More Love, More Power”   Jude del Hierro

Call to Worship 1

ONE: Who is this who enters the doors of our temple, who overturns the tables, strews silver and gold on the floor, frees the sacrificial doves from gilded cages? Listen, as they rise, the beating of their wings is a song of loud hosanna.

It is Jesus of Galilee, the Son of God, who comes to cleanse the great temple, to restore its subverted chambers to a house of hallowed prayer.

ONE: Then let us open the doors of our hearts even wider, so he can cast out the thieves who would take what is sacred and tender and turn it hard as gold in a fist.

All: May the temple within us be a refuge where doves of peace roost in the rafters.

ONE: May it be a garden that bears the fruits of a generous spirit. Let us Worship God!

Hymn 394  Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

Affirmation of Faith 2

We believe in one God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We proclaim Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen One, confessing him as Lord to the glory of God the Father.

In the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, we acclaim Jesus as the Lord of the church, the Head over all things, the beginning of a new creation.

We acknowledge that we live and work between the time of Christ's death and resurrection and the final consummation of all things which he will bring.We are a pilgrim people, always on the way towards the promised goal; on the way, Christ feeds us with word and sacrament, and we have the gift of the Spirit in order that we may not lose the way.

We will live and work within the faith and unity of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, bearing witness to that unity which is both Christ's gift and his will.

We affirm that every member of the church is engaged to confess the faith of Christ crucified. Together with all the people of God, we will serve the world for which Christ died, and we await with hope the day of the Lord Jesus. Thanks be to God.

Response Hymn 817

We walk by faith and not by sight;

with gracious words draw near,

O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke:

“My peace be with you here.”

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 372

O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,

Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

Scripture Readings: Psalm 19:7-14

                                    John 2:13-22

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem       “How Can It Be” Jeff Johnson, Jason Ingram and Paul Mabury

Sermon:  "Accomodating"  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 174 Come and Seek the Ways of Wisdom

Invitation to the Offering

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that honors each other, to be servants to others with joy, to share our love and material possessions. When you mail your offerings to the church we are not only able to keep our ministries operating and our budget intact, but we also receive the joy of hearing from you. We thank you for your continual giving to our community at Bethany.

Offertory Mazurka Op. 67, No. 2     Frédéric Chopin

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Preparation of the Table

Invitation and Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

LEADER: The Lord be with you

PEOPLE: And also with you

LEADER: Lift up your hearts

PEOPLE: We lift them up to the Lord

LEADER: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God

PEOPLE: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

LEADER: Let us pray.  Almighty and ever-living God...

Words of Institution

Sharing of the Cup and Bread

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 313  Lord, Make Us More Holy

Announcements

Closing Benediction 3

We go now, living in the spirit of our baptism, even when we are led into wild and hard places. With repentance and trust, we give ourselves to God, and with fasting and prayer, we strengthen ourselves against the ways of the tempter.  We pray that God may enfold us in tender and lasting love.  That Christ may be beside us in times of struggle.  And we pray that the Spirit may guide us back to the path whenever we stray, that we may keep the covenant.  We go in peace to love and serve the Lord, In the name of Christ.  Amen.

Postlude  “Rock-a-My Soul”   African American Spiritual, Arr. Glenda Austin

1 Shari Miller Wagner, adapted

2 David Beswick

3 Nathan Nettleton

Reflection for Lent

“Lent is a time to place our feet in the streets of Jerusalem or to walk along the sea and listen to his Word.” ~ Lenten Poem, by Ann Weems

Chimes

Centering Prayer 1

God of the ages and God of today, to our utter amazement you yearn to be in relationship with

us.  Your continuing and amazing grace beckons us to greater faithfulness, and for that and so many other things we are deeply grateful.  Open us to the presence of your Spirit in this moment that we may hear and understand your wisdom in new and renewing ways.  Then, Holy One, quicken within us a desire to live in ways that reflect the gift of your grace, your amazing love and our continuing covenantal relationship. Amen.

Welcome

Introit      Tre Giorni "Three Days"   Legrenzio Ciampi

Call to Worship 2

ONE: We are here to worship a remarkable God.

ALL: The love of God welcomes us, the grace of Christ awaits us, the joy of the Spirit enfolds us.

ONE: Don’t come as slaves, come as the truly free.  Don’t come as petitioners, come as those who are already heard.  Don’t come as interlopers, come as invited guests.  Don’t come as the outsiders, come as much-wanted children.

ALL: The love of God emboldens us. The grace of Christ redeems us.  The joy of the Spirit uplifts us.

ONE: Come as the joyful, come as the eager, come as the thankful, come as the recipients of amazing grace.

ALL: The love of God overflows our hearts, the grace of Christ liberates our spirits, the joy of the Spirit sings in our minds.

Hymn 618  O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High

Affirmation of Faith 3

In life and in death we belong to God.  Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.  We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God.  We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father.  We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life.  With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Response Hymn 817

We walk by faith and not by sight;

with gracious words draw near,

O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke:

“My peace be with you here.”

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 372

O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,

Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

Scripture Readings: John 3:14-21

                               Ephesians 2:1-10                             

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem       “God So Loved the World”    John Stainer/Michael Myrick

Sermon:  "More Than Just Words" Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 215 What Wondrous Love is This?

Invitation to the Offering

God has shown us the meaning of generosity in the beautiful diversity of creation, in the overflowing love of Jesus Christ, in the never-ending gift of the Holy Spirit. God has abundantly blessed us and called us to be a community that honors each other, to be servants to others with joy, to share our love and material possessions. When you mail your offerings to the church we are not only able to keep our ministries operating and our budget intact, but we also receive the joy of hearing from you. We thank you for your continual giving to our community at Bethany.

Offertory Prelude in C Minor, Op. 28, No. 20   Frédéric Chopin

Prayer of Dedication

Lord, we bring before you the common things of our common life: our money, our songs, our labors to be your faithful congregation, our needs and dreams, our joys and sorrows, our selves. We celebrate all this with you, seeking the touch of your Spirit so that we will share more deeply what we are and have with all our brothers and sisters in our city and our world.  In faith and gratitude we offer common things made miracles by your grace.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 443  There is a Redeemer

Announcements

Closing Benediction 4

Out of great love, God, who is rich in mercy, has made us alive together with Christ.  Through Christ, God has shown us the immeasurable riches of grace.  Let us go into the world to be open channels of that love and vessels overflowing with that grace.  Amen.

Postlude  “Stroke of Midnight” Barbara Arens

1 Opening prayer from Vocabulary of Faith

2 Bruce Prewer

3 A Brief Statement of Faith, written at the reunion

of two Presbyterian denominations in 1983,

joined to become PC(USA)

4 Seekers Church

Reflection for Lent

“Lent is a time to allow a fresh new taste of God.” ~ Lenten Poem, by Ann Weems

Chimes

Centering Prayer 1

O God, as we worship, make yourself known to us.  If we have doubts, help us not to fear them but, rather, help us to find your presence in the ache of our uncertainty. If we have questions, relieve us of the burning need always to find answers, and help us to understand that in the darkness of things unknown it is easier to discover a flicker of light.  If we have pain, help us to sense that you can always heal, though not always protect. If we have joy, help us to share it.  Help us to see that joy feels best not bottled up but poured out like baptism-water on all who are here, and that in the flow of joy expressed is the flow of your spirit whom we invite, just now. Amen.

Welcome

Introit      "Far and Wide" Ruth Moody

Call to Worship 2

For the living of these days let us heed promptings of possibility, let us evoke creativities of compassion, let us be poised for flight on soaring wings of faith and love.  O come, let us worship God!

Hymn 250  In the Bulb There Is a Flower

Affirmation of Faith 3

In life and in death we belong to God.  Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.  We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God.  We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father.  We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life.  With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Response Hymn 817

We walk by faith and not by sight;

with gracious words draw near,

O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke:

“My peace be with you here.”

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 372

O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,

Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

Scripture Readings: John 12:20-33

                                   Jeremiah 31:31-34                           

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem       "Lead Me To the Cross"     Brooke Ligertwood

Sermon:  "What Kind of a Death?"   Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 53 O God, Who Gives Us Life

Invitation to the Offering

When you mail your offerings to the church we are not only able to keep our ministries operating and our budget intact, but we also receive the joy of hearing from you. We thank you for your continual giving to our community at Bethany.

Offertory Prelude in C Minor, Op. 28, No. 20   Frédéric Chopin

Prayer of Dedication

Holy One, whose heart abounds with gifts, receive this offering as a sign of our intention to live surrounded by your mercy, inspired by your Spirit, open to the joy of your presence, hospitable to one another, and generous toward your world. Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 738  O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee

Announcements

Closing Benediction 4

When we were buried with Christ in baptism, we were also raised with Christ through faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.  May God bless us to lead lives worthy of the

calling to which we have been called.

Postlude  Prelude in B Minor, Op. 28, No. 6       Frédéric Chopin

1 John W. Howell, in “Touch Holiness”

2 Terence Elwyn Johnson, in “Touch Holiness”

3 A Brief Statement of Faith, written at the reunion

of two Presbyterian denominations in 1983,

joined to become PC(USA)

4 Arlene M. Mark, in “Words for Worship”

Reflection for Lent

Since many will not be in worship again until Easter Sunday, the service on Palm/Passion Sunday is a significant opportunity to represent the wholeness of the gospel and to remember that the way to Easter joy is the way of the cross.

Chimes

Centering Prayer 1

O Lord, you rode on.  You rode over the cloaks and under the branches, you rode through the shouts and past the praises, receiving the praise that you deserved, but not confusing our praise in your presence for your purpose in coming.  You rode towards the controversy and the cost, you rode towards the curses and the cross, receiving the stripes you didn’t deserve, to give us a reward that we couldn’t earn.  You rode through the tomb and the grave, you rode through our time and space, ascending to a throne that will never decay, a priesthood that will never pass away, a life of love that will always remain, and hearing us even now as we pray.  We remember the journey you have taken as we commit ourselves to walking in the same way.  Give us the strength, hope, and joy we need as we follow.  In your name we pray, Amen.

Welcome

Introit      “Palms in the Wind”   Barbara Arens

Call to Worship 2

ONE: We come to prepare for the holiest of weeks.

ALL: We will journey through praise, with joy on our lips; we will travel through betrayal and death, cradling hope deep in our hearts.

ONE: Jesus leads us through this week, and we will follow, for he is the life we long for, he is the Word who sustains us.

ALL: We wave palm branches in anticipation, we lay our love before him, to cushion his walk.

ONE: Setting aside all power, glory, and might, he comes: modeling humility and obedience for all of us.

ALL: Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is the One who brings us the kingdom of God.

Hymn 197  Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

Affirmation of Faith 3

In life and in death we belong to God.  Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve.  We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God.  Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel.  Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world.  God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.

We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Response Hymn 817

We walk by faith and not by sight;

with gracious words draw near,

O Christ, who spoke as none e’er spoke:

“My peace be with you here.”

Sharing the Peace

ONE: The peace of Christ be with you.

RESPONSE:  And also with you.

Response Hymn 372

O for a world where everyone respects each other’s ways,

Where love is lived and all is done with justice and with praise.

Scripture Readings: Mark 11:1-11, selections from Mark 15                          

ONE: This is the word of the Lord.

RESPONSE:  Thanks be to God.

Anthem       "O Thou Eternal Christ, Ride On"  Calvin Leufer, Arr. John Yarrington

Sermon:  Reverend Debra McGuire

Hymn 196 All Glory Laud, and Honor

Invitation to the Offering

What a gift it is to be a recipient of God’s grace. Throughout this difficult year, we have seen so much of our lives change. What a relief to know and experience the constant reassuring presence of God.  We invite you to celebrate the grace of God by mailing your offering to the church.  Our ministries of serving the shelter, donating to the Brasilian church, keeping up the grounds, reaching out to church family and friends, creating and presenting worship, and our outreach are all possible because of you. We thank you for your continual giving to our community at Bethany.

Offertory “Hosana filio David”   Gregorian, Arr. J. Reddell-Popovich

Prayer of Dedication

Holy One, whose heart abounds with gifts, receive this offering as a sign of our intention to live surrounded by your mercy, inspired by your Spirit, open to the joy of your presence, hospitable to one another, and generous toward your world.  Bless what we give and bless what we keep, that all may be used for your glory.  Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn 219  They Crucified My Lord

Announcements

Closing Benediction 4

Holy God, you have fed us all out of your own generous and gracious hands. From them, we have received welcome, nourishment, hope, and consolation. May these things grow in us, alongside the gift of faith, so that we may plant their seeds in the world around us. Through the Holy Spirit, guide us in the week [days] ahead to re-member our place in your great and on-going story of resurrection, redemption, and restoration through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Postlude  “At the Cry of the First Bird”

1 Pastor Joe Welty, Broadway-First Baptist Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

2 Thom Shuman

3 A Brief Statement of Faith, written at the reunion of two Presbyterian

denominations in 1983, joined to become PC(USA)

4 lutheranjulia